Veteran boundary umpire Shane Thiele has announced his retirement after 16 years of AFL umpiring.
Originally from Adelaide, Thiele didn’t begin umpiring until his early twenties when he decided to combine his passions for running and football.
After three SANFL Grand Finals and two boundary umpiring awards, Thiele broke onto the AFL umpiring list in 2009 at the age of 32.
Since his debut in round 1 2009, Thiele has gone on to umpire 308 games, including an exhibition game in China, a Dreamtime game in Darwin, two ANZAC Day clashes, three drawn games and four finals. In 2015 Thiele was awarded the Murray Williams Shield, the AFLUA’s most prestigious award for boundary umpires, recognising both excellence on-field and commitment to the Association.
Thiele during the 2019 round 6 match between the Richmond and Melbourne at the MCG. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)
In round six this year, Thiele became the oldest umpire to reach 300 games, achieving the milestone at the age of 47. With boundary umpires being tracked running between 16 and 20 kilometres per game, his longevity is an incredible feat. While Thiele puts his endurance down to his keen passion for running, fellow umpire Michael Marantelli also credits his adaptability.
“Shane has always sought continual improvement. Regardless of his age or experience he was always being willing to try new things in order to become a better umpire. As an example, he changed his throw in style for the last few years of his umpiring which helped prolong his career.”
Whilst his career statistics paint a telling picture of the type of professional Thiele is, perhaps the greatest credit to his name is the love his colleagues in the umpiring fraternity have for him. Since announcing his retirement, tributes for Shane have flown in from umpires around the country.
I think for me if you talk about leaving the place better than when you arrived perfectly encapsulates Shane’s influence on umpiring for me. Shane was always a guy who knew everyone and could make you feel welcomed in any situation. He was everyone’s friend and had time for you no matter what.
A lot of the attributes that made him a successful umpire I feel probably stemmed from him being a successful runner. But he was always looking to improve, be it game 1 or game 301. He had a great never say die attitude and was able to reinvent himself multiple times during his time in the SANFL and The AFL to have such a long and illustrious career.
I think as I spoke about him as a person, he always has time for you off the field, which translate to onfield performance. You always knew that he was going to be there for you on it and always gave everything he had out there for the betterment of the team’s performance.
- Nathan Doig, WA Boundary Umpire
The impact and influence Shane has had on umpiring will extend far beyond the AFL boundary umpiring group. Through Shane’s work ethic, professionalism and dedication to improvement, he has forged an on field career many could only dream of. Shane’s continued support of up-and-coming umpires is a strong reason why the growth at lower levels has been so strong over recent years.
People like Shane are the fabric of umpiring and what makes it great. To see on the appointments sheet that you’d be walking out alongside Shane meant two things. Firstly that you had a partner who you knew had done everything possible to prepare and perform well, but more importantly that it was going to be an enjoyable day out. It is impossible not to feel good in his company.
Shane will leave many legacies, but his care for others and effervescent nature is what will be missed most.
- Michael Barlow, NSW Boundary Umpire
From the archives: Thiele during the 2014 AFL Round 15 match between the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval. (Photo: James Elsby/AFL Media)
On behalf of the entire AFL Boundary team in Queensland we want to congratulate Thiele on a remarkable career that has left a permanent mark on all of us. Shane also known as “Dad” to many of us here in QLD has been a mentor, a leader, and a friend to everyone fortunate enough to share the boundary with him. His work ethic and unwavering positivity are qualities that have made him a role model for all of us here in QLD.
Shane’s influence has left a mark on not only myself but the entire Queensland boundary team. His dedication, commitment and professionalism has set a standard that all of us aspire to. His passion for the game and desire to see his teammates succeed, has created a culture that wouldn’t be the same without him and it will be felt long after he hangs up the whistle.
Reflecting on the time I have spent umpiring with Thiele, it’s hard to imagine a better bloke named next to you on the appointments. The impact he’s had on and off the field is immeasurable and his ability to make every game enjoyable is something iconic about Shane’s presence in umpiring. He always brought a sense of joy and purpose to our group that will be sorely missed.
The entire Queensland boundary umpiring team would like to extend our deepest thanks to Shane, the impact on our careers and the countless memories we’ve shared will be cherished for years to come. We are all better umpires for having had the privilege to work alongside him. Thiele will always be a part of the QLD boundary team.
- Nick Swanson, QLD Boundary Umpire